9. Archives

Introduction to Information Studies – SMM154 ARCHIVES Introduction Archival

Materials Collecting Archives

Introduction (National Archives of Malaysia) 

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The main responsibilities of the NAM, as stipulated in the National Archives Act No. 44/66, are to gather, preserve, and make available public records for reference by members of the public. Public records of historical or national value which are transferred to the NAM are preserved as sources of reference for the future. In order to achieve this objective, research and reference facilities are provided at the Reference and Finding Aids Services Branch of the NAM. These services are available to government agencies and the public with the objective of instilling a sense of patriotism and to help in formulating policies on national solidarity.

Archival Materials (National Archives of Malaysia)  Archival

materials comprise all forms acquired from both official as well as private sources.  Materials acquired from government departments include files, publications, acts and ordinances, photographs, microfilms, audio-visual materials, treaties, oral history recordings, maps, plans etc.  Materials from private sources include collection of private papers which may contain government papers, photographs, theses, and newspapers.

Archival Materials (National Archives of Malaysia) 

These archival materials are available for reference, except for the following:   

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Records in the form of files less than 25 years old, that are yet to become archives. Classified archival materials which have not been down graded by the creating agencies. Records containing sensitive issues which may threaten political and national stability.

Access to archival materials is governed by the National Archives Act No. 44/66, National Archives Act (Facilities for Reference) 1974, Regulation for the Use of Archival Materials and the Official Secrets Act (Amendment) 1986. “The archives shall be referred to only in the room or area provided for such purpose and shall not be removed therefrom”. (1974. No. 6[1])